Thomas Michael McAuliffe

1934 - 2022

Thomas Michael McAuliffe
November 28, 1934 - February 20, 2022
Salinas
Thomas Michael McAuliffe passed away peacefully at his home on February 20, 2022. Tom was born on November 28, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA to Mark James McAuliffe and Esther Eugenia McAuliffe.
Growing up in Harrisburg and Oakmont Pennsylvania, Tom was inseparable from his best friend and twin brother - Jack. Both of them were avid athletes… playing baseball, basketball and spending summers caddying at the infamous Oakmont Country Club. Tom graduated with a BS degree from Duquesne University before enlisting in the Army. His Army career lasted 2 years, primarily in Korea as a medical assistant before being honorably discharged.
Tom started his working career in Hartford, CT with the Aetna Property and Casualty Company. During this time, he completed a distinguished professional designation (CPCU) before migrating to San Francisco in 1959, where he met his first wife (Patricia) to start his family. Over they next 10 years he had 3 children (Mark, Karen and Sean), left Aetna to become a Partner in 2 Independent Insurance Agencies…while migrating south from Redwood City, to San Jose and eventually to Salinas in 1970.
It was in Salinas where his roots dug deep and he spent the rest of his 52 years In his younger years he masterfully balanced family and career...an active participant in Y-Indian Guides, little league as well as numerous community organizations including Salinas Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Builders Association, United Way, Central Coast YMCA and VNA, among others. He was honored by the Salinas Chamber in 1982 as their Citizen of the Year. As his 40+ year Insurance career wound down he met and married his second wife (Mary) in 1994. Expanding his family circle over the next 20 years with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tom's virtues included: Generosity – he was always willing to give his time to family, friends and his community. Wisdom – he was a great role model and advocate for his children/family. Quick wit – his friendly personality and impeccable timing always brought a smile/laugh to those around him. Integrity – he showed all of us the importance of always doing the 'right thing'.
Tom was preceded in death by his father-Mark, mother-Esther, sister-Phyllis Ferguson, brothers-Jack and Richard, first wife-Patricia, and youngest son-Sean.
Tom is survived by his second wife-Mary, son Mark (Ann) McAuliffe, daughter Karen Pempek, step daughters Cindy (Frank) Shean, Leila (Cindy) Lujan, Debbie Borzini, grandchildren Megan and Sean McAuliffe, Kelsey, Cassidy and Madison Pempek, Lindsey Snowden, CJ LeLievre, Christen Potter, Carly LeLievre, Cody LeLievre, Nick Borzini, and many great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Struve and Laporte Funeral Home, 41 West San Luis St., Salinas, CA 93901. The funeral service will immediately follow at Struve & Laporte Funeral Home.
Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott Street, Salinas, CA 93901.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Central Coast VNA & Hospice or the Central Coast YMCA.


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